Sugar may taste sweet but its health effects are anything but. Excessive sugar consumption throws the body’s pH levels out of balance making it harder for us to lose weight and maintain good health. The sugar, and the acidity that it creates, provides an internal environment that is ripe for the overgrowth of dangerous yeasts, fungi, and bacteria.

In turn, these pathogens feed on the sugar, multiply, and expel toxic wastes that make us feel and look even worse. Because these critters feed on sugar, our body begins to crave more sugar in the form of sweets, breads, pastas, and so forth. We end up feeding these microorganisms and fuel their growth and place further toxic acid into our body.

As this vicious cycle continues not only do we feed these toxin-producing microorganisms but we also intake huge amounts of calorie-rich, nutrient void, sugar-laden foods. Over time, an excess intake of calories through sugar obviously leads to weight gain (considering everything else remains equal).

The other aspect of sugar that prevents weight loss is the fact that as we fuel more and more microorganisms, the toxins they expel create more acid in our blood and pose added stress on our liver.

Since excess acid in the blood will eventually be stored in fat cells, it is futile to further acidify your body if you want to lose weight. Only once you rid your body of excess acid and restore its proper pH balance will you be able to shed excess fat. If fat isn’t needed to store acid, then it can more readily be metabolized.

Similarly, if your liver becomes stressed and compromised as a result of having to filter tons of toxins floating through your blood, your weight loss attempts will be in vain. This is because the liver is not only the body’s major filter but it also regulates sugar and fat metabolism. If the liver is not functioning properly then its ability to metabolize sugar and fats will also be compromised. Elevated blood sugar and blood lipid levels are usually the result.

Hidden Sources of Sugar

While we typically eat a lot of sugar in the form of desserts and sugary beverages, a large portion of our sugar intake comes from hidden sources which include:

• Livestock are often fed sugar prior to slaughter to improve the color and taste of the meat.

• Corn syrup and molasses are often used in restaurants to prevent shrinkage of hamburgers.

• Sugar is added to many mixes and roasted nuts.

• Canned fish are often glazed with sugar.

• Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, and relish are heavy sources of sugar. In fact, sugar is most often the first ingredients in these foods.

• Most table salts contain sugar.

• Most breads, pastas, and cereals contain added sugar of some sort.

So as you can see we are bombarded by sugar. The key is move away from packaged and processed foods and move towards fresh whole foods.

You’re much better off eating natural sugar from fruit then chemically altered and manufactured refined sugar that you can buy from a store.

The choice is yours but if you want to lose weight then you need to make the right choice. Opt for more fresh vegetables and fruit, especially greens. Greens are one of the best sources of alkalinity and help rid your body of excess acid produced by sugar consumption.

Author's Bio:

Nutrition Expert, Yuri Elkaim and his groundbreaking raw food book, Eating for Energy, have helped thousands of people in over 80 countries regain control of their health and weight. Watch his new You Tube Video and discover a delicious GREEN smoothie recipe that will alkalize your body while keeping you energized and nourished. For more on his revolutionary healthy eating book visit http://www.EatingforEnergy.ca.

This article is SO true. I have eliminated sugar from my diet, as well as processed foods, and I lost 6 lbs in 3 weeks. It just goes to show that sugar is something that our body doesn't need, nor want.